"My sister was incarcerated at ..."

My sister was incarcerated at this hospital after they had a norovirus outbreak. No phones allowed on the ward, no laptops so we could send a video message, no visitors, no phone next to her bed????? is this the dark ages? the staff can pass a message on but how does that help her to feel better. My mum could not even sit by her bed and tell her everything would be ok. Moral support when ill effect patient outcomes significantly. If there was a phone that would do but to have nothing!!! unbelieveable!

Responses

Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback. Whenever we have an outbreak of norovirus, we restrict visiting and sometimes take the difficult decision to close a ward to visitors as protecting our patients and staff from the risk of infection is a high priority for us. Certain wards do have portable phones for patients, but unfortunately we do not allow personal mobile phones mainly to ensure privacy and dignity; ring tones can wake a sleeping patient and cameras used indiscriminately could cause offence. Laptops are permitted at the bedside but they are kept at patients’ risk. Notwithstanding, we apologise for the inconvenience that this can cause. If you would like any further information, please contact Louisa Grice, Patient Advice Liaison Services Manager; telephone number 01480 428964 or by email to pals@hinchingbrooke.nhs.uk.